Rock-Ola 496-1 problem/issue

Well, iffin I was a workin'on it--I would first check each Micro., with an ANALOG meter, as above--replace any "suspicious" Micro., adjust the cam(s) as per the service manual, and expect it to work, correctly ! Ron Rich

Hey, Steve. I have a jukebox hobby now because of someone cobbling up that cam adjustment and then selling the whole thing cheap. Turned out to be my second juke, a Rockola 490 that's performing just fine. Since then, at least four of my Rockolas have come to me with that cam out of adjustment and / or corroded, often blackened contacts where the wires go onto the micros. I always check both NO and NC sides of the micros with an analog tester while I've got the wires off for cleaning. That's why I always go there first when there's mechanical issues. Yes, you certainly could have timing issues and exercising your gripper completely through its cycle and back, as mentioned earlier, and adjusting the cam can cure a lot of ills. But if the gripper gears aren't reassembled properly or if the micro contacts, cam or the micro itself aren't right, it's just not gonna play records. And if all that's right and it still doesn't work, at least you've ruled out some of the most likely suspects.
I will have to backtrack on one thing, though: I described the cam position to you and suggested you follow the instructions in the service manual. I got that one out tonight and refreshed my memory on just how useless it is. What I should have said was to follow the cam adjustment instructions on ANY OTHER Rockola manual.
Go through the steps suggested earlier and see what happens.
Patrick

I was going to post that I don't see any cam adjustment procedure in my rather limited manual. Is there an online source for the cam adjustment procedure, or should I buy a manual for a 490?

Don't bother with the earlier manual. Although it might help understand its function, that procedure won't apply completely to the 496. The cam is connected differently to the shaft and moving it;s difficult, at least. Looking at it, see if the roller is in the notch with the arm over the basket. If so, it's in the right place and the switch is not clicked shut.
Patrick

Just saw this post. I had the exact same nonstop scanning problem with a 490-1 I restored for a friend. Opto LED flashed, numbers flashed, but carriage would not stop. Carriage would return home when switch was put back to normal operating position. I was thinking opto board, computer etc. Took me months....
Turned out to be nothing more than a bad cam switch. As I recall, the one on top that drops into notch in testing position. I'm sure I have photos if you need. I'm not sure if your model is the same though.
Double check those switches!! Carl.

Thanks, Carl. That's really helpful. It looks more and more like its going to be either the micro or the cam timing (or possibly a combination of the two). I'm also not ruling out the capacitors either, Bud. My money says it's going to be related to the #1 Micro. either the switch itself or its relationship to its cam.

Is there a reason why I can't check the microswitch with a digital meter? If it's a SP/ST aren't I checking to see the resistance values in the open and closed position? I sold most all my analog equipment (tube testers, meters, etc) when I got out antique radios.

Sure you can. But an analog meter seems to give a better indication of what's happening during the actual making/breaking action of the contacts. You'll see the needle move if it's not a clean action. A digital meter tends to jump all over before giving a stable reading.

BTW, does your cam look like this photo?

Hello Steve,

I am inserting a link to a picture of the gripper release gear on my #496. and a copy of the mech diagram from my #498 manual

http://s1032.photobucket.com/user/bud19 ... a.jpg.html

If you compare this picture to the first picture you posted you can see the difference. I think Patrick is spot on with his diagnosis, that somehow the gear has slipped or the gear is in the wrong position.
Don’t waste your money on the 496 manual that is being sold. I purchased this and most of the information is basically a duplicate of the 490 manual. There isn’t a lot of information on these later models Rockolas. I recently scored a complete #498 manual from an original owner of such. It details programming of. a S-3 computer, as well as programming the CD option. Unfortunately as complete as it is there is no troubleshooting guide for the gripper assembly.
I also have a Seeburg LPC 480. After recapping the TCC1 and the 45TASU1 it rock’s and sounds great.
Bud

Wow, Bud, I can see what you mean! There is a HUGE difference between your gear positions and mine. Definitely onto something now.

Can you confirm that the gears in your picture are in the positions they would be when the gripper motor is turned back until it can not be turned back any further without force? I ask this because it is the only baseline reference I can achieve for certain. And would you, or anyone else be able to share the alignment/timing procedure I need to follow?

Thanks so much to everyone for your invaluable assistance, guidance and (most of all) patience. If I am able to get this baby operating, you all deserve a hearty pat on the back!

Steve
That photo was taken when the machine was in the rest position(position when the machine is turn on) I have not found any step by step instructions how to adjust. In the past I have used trial and error and lot's of patience.
Good luck
Bud